Former Rangers manager Buck Showalter is talking to the Indians about an advisory position, FOXSports.com has learned.
Showalter, fired last month by the Rangers with three years remaining on his contract, would assist both Indians general manager Mark Shapiro and manager Eric Wedge.
While the hiring of Showalter likely would be interpreted as a threat to Wedge, who is signed only through next season, Showalter would not be considered a possible successor, according to major-league sources.
Wedge, who enjoys the strong backing of Shapiro, has been involved in the discussions with Showalter -- and Showalter has assured Wedge that he would not be after his job, sources say.
The Indians value Showalter's experience and baseball intellect. Showalter has managed the Yankees, Diamondbacks and Rangers, and helped build the expansion Diamondbacks from the ground up.
The Rangers owe Showalter $5.1 million over the next three seasons
Foxsports.com Ken Rosenthal
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